In October, a GP Freedom of Information Act request found that one in four PCTs had closed or reduced dementia services in the past three years, and fewer than half had early-detection services in place (GP, 24 October).
The Daily Mail ran a front-page story on the figures, headlined 'Alzheimer's: The Betrayal' on Tuesday. The story launches a campaign in aid of the Alzheimer's Society to raise funds for those with the disease and other dementia conditions.
GP editor Emma Bower said: 'GPs want to ensure their patients have access to specialist support and advice as their condition progresses. But our figures show that in many areas, this is not possible because the services either aren't there or have been withdrawn.
'It leaves GPs in a difficult position because they are unable to get patients the help they need.
'Incidence of dementia will continue to rise as people live longer. PCTs should be investing more in dementia care, not cutting back these services.'
Comment below and tell us what you think
